XBOX Tests Paid Cloud Playtime Without Game Pass
XBOX officially announced this on XBOX Wire. A broader rollout of purchasable cloud playtime is slated for next month.RELATED: XBOX Game Pass Ad-Based Cloud Gaming Tier Begins Insider TestingXbox Cloud Playtime Packs…
XBOX officially announced this on XBOX Wire. A broader rollout of purchasable cloud playtime is slated for next month.
- RELATED: XBOX Game Pass Ad-Based Cloud Gaming Tier Begins Insider Testing
Xbox Cloud Playtime Packs Start at $3.99 for Insiders
For those concerned about ad-supported cloud streaming, XBOX says these Cloud playtime packs will offer ad-free cloud gaming because you can buy them.
Cloud playtime packs provide an ad-free cloud gaming experience, including shorter wait times, high-quality streaming, and playtime that remains available until it’s used.
As we previously shared, XBOX Insiders can also try cloud gaming for free with ads, giving players another option for accessing cloud gaming without a Game Pass subscription.
XBOX has been undergoing a reset throughout 2026. The reset began when Phil Spencer retired, and Sarah Bond later resigned. In their absence, Asha Sharma became CEO of the Microsoft XBOX brand. Since taking the role, she’s made major changes, believes the brand will return to profitability by the next fiscal year, and has taken a new approach to console exclusives and other fan-favorite decisions.
The next generation of Xbox is also on players’ and Industry insiders’ minds. A new report suggests that Project Helix, the codename for the next XBOX, could cost up to $1,800. Learn more about that here.
Other recent reports say XBOX is bringing an ‘à la carte’ Game Pass system, where players can choose the services they want, and that a new handheld XBOX could launch in 2027.
Insider Gaming will continue to monitor all things XBOX and report any updates as more information becomes available. What are your thoughts on the new Xbox cloud-gaming strategy? Sound off about this story and all others in our official Discord server.
Written by Robert DeFelice News WriterI'm Robert DeFelice. I spent years covering pro-wrestling industry for outlets such as Fightful. After years in wrestling journalism, I’ve transitioned to video games, another passion of mine.
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